What is the meaning of relinquish?

• A. Give up (something, such as power, control, or possession), especially when you do not want to do this; retire from; abandon
• B. Surrender
• C. Let go (a grasp, hold, etc.)
• D. Seize or grasp more tightly

Answer: (A)

Relinquish means to voluntarily give up control, ownership, or a claim to something. It’s a formal term used for rights, titles, positions, or responsibilities that you choose to surrender, often in official or legal contexts. This sense emphasizes a deliberate act of renunciation rather than a forceful act. For example, someone might relinquish their claim to the throne or relinquish control of a company. That nuance—voluntary and formal giving up of something you once held—is what makes it the best fit. Surrender can imply yielding to someone or something stronger or external pressure, and let go is a more casual, often physical or emotional release. Seize or grasp more tightly is the opposite of relinquish.